‘That's the game’ ... LSU already hot topic for FSU football players

quote:

---

CHARLOTTE -- Florida State's football players won't officially report for preseason camp until Tuesday, but the Seminoles already are hearing plenty about their early season showdown with LSU in New Orleans.

They hear it from their friends, from fans and even from family.

"It's LSU, LSU, LSU," redshirt junior defensive tackle Fabien Lovett said. "Like we're not playing Duquense first."

---

quote:

---

With FSU coming off of four straight losing seasons, the LSU game isn't only a high-profile matchup against a big-name opponent, it's also an opportunity for the Seminoles' players and coaches to prove their program is heading back in the right direction.

Florida State fans showed how excited they are about the game by quickly selling out their allotment of 30,000 tickets to the Caesars Superdome.

Even Norvell, who undoubtedly will be reminding his players to focus first on Duquesne, admitted that squaring off against the Tigers in their home state will be a special opportunity.

"We're excited to be on that stage again," Norvell said. "Coming into this year and the national spotlight game, that's why you come to Florida State. To be a part of those games. To be able to be on that stage. Our guys are excited. They know the challenges that are ahead of us."

LSU isn't exactly riding high into the game, which will be its season opener. The Tigers went 6-7 in 2021 and 5-5 the year before that.

---

quote:

---

Joe Fortenbaugh, ESPN betting analyst: I'd grab the points with the Seminoles, who get a tuneup against Duquesne the week before traveling to New Orleans. That's a big advantage over Brian Kelly's LSU Tigers, who will be making their season debut in this matchup. With 16 starters back from a year ago, this is Norvell's best team since arriving in Tallahassee. LSU returns only 11 starters, has a new head coach and will be trotting out former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels. For those who are unaware, it didn't end well for Daniels in Scottsdale, so I'm not exactly bullish on his chances in Baton Rouge.

---